The Chicago Bulls look like an interesting young unit going into the 2026-27 season. Having selected an immensely gifted young forward in Caleb Wilson with the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft, the Bulls have added another talented piece to their core. However, one aspect of the UNC product may demand more attention.
During a recent interview with People magazine, Caleb Wilson was asked whether basketball was his sport of choice while growing up. In a surprising reveal, Wilson stated it wasn’t, claiming that baseball was his preferred sport instead.
“It actually wasn’t my favorite sport at first. It was baseball. My dad inspired me to do it,” he shared. “I played a lot of sports when I was younger, but basketball is what I stuck with.”
“When asked why he made the choice to stick with dribbling balls over hitting them with a bat, Wilson candidly explained, ‘Well, I just got really tall. It was chosen for me,'” Wilson added during the interview.
Caleb Wilson currently stands at 6’9″ tall and is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in his draft class. Surprisingly, however, Wilson was only two inches shorter in eighth grade, suggesting his growth spurt happened much earlier, essentially justifying the switch from baseball to basketball.
While his love for baseball may seem random, the parallel with Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan, who was also inspired to play baseball by his father, is truly fascinating. When additionally noting their connections with UNC, the similarities between Wilson and Jordan are even more intriguing.
Caleb Wilson Reveals His Source Of Inspiration
It is evident that Caleb Wilson’s father, Jerry Wilson, is a major influence on the young forward’s life. Given that he was inspired to play baseball by his father, the Bulls’ rookie certainly looks to his father for guidance.
On that note, during an episode of the Game Over podcast, Wilson mentioned that his father set an example with his work ethic, eventually motivating the young forward to do the same. He commented:
“‘If you’re sleeping in, somebody’s working.’ It’s all worth it in the end, to have the lifestyle we have, and to have the ability to do the things and see the things we were able to see.”
Aside from work, however, Caleb Wilson also has a very clear outlook on winning and greatness. When speaking about how winning is a priority for him, the forward added:
“I hope I’ve won some playoff games. That’s really it. I just hope I’m a great player, but I want to win. Winning is number one for sure.”
Needless to say, such clarity of thought is a refreshing sight for a young player. Given his potential to be a star, the Bulls will also hope to nurture him and put him in a position to succeed.
Currently, Caleb Wilson and the Bulls will be gearing up for the 2026 Las Vegas Summer League. With Wilson due to make his debut on Friday, July 10, against the Memphis Grizzlies, fans will have their eyes peeled to see what the rookie can bring to the table.
